CULTURAL and food tours in the Manama Suq are highlighting the market as ‘one of the most important tourist destinations in Bahrain’, according to tourism officials.
The tours, which were launched on May 26, are aimed at encouraging citizens, residents and tourists to visit the suq.
The tours take place every Wednesday and Saturday and reservations can be made through the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) website.
“The Tourism Ministry places the issue of reviving and developing the Manama market and revitalising it in terms of tourism and trade at the centre of its concerns,” says BTEA chief executive Dr Nasser Qaedi.
“We are working to accelerate the restoration of the Manama market to its worthy position at the forefront of tourist destinations in Bahrain and the Arabian Gulf, especially since it is one of the oldest commercial markets in the region, and from it many businesses were launched,” he says in a statement.
During a Press preview of the two walking tours, the GDN was shown the main stops for each of the three-hour tours.
The food tour costs BD5, plus Value-Added Tax (VAT), per person, and is held every Saturday and Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm. Attendees will have a chance to sample falafels at the entrance of the Manama Suq building, followed by karak tea at its exit.
The tour then proceeds to Danet Al Tawawish Restaurant and Café for a taste of Bahraini grills, followed by samples of Bahraini and Indian sweets.
The culture tour costs BD3, plus VAT, per person, and stops include the Customs House, Bab Al Bahrain, Post Office Museum, the renovated Manama Suq, Shri Krishna Hindu Temple, Bahrain Synagogue, spice market and Gold City.
The culture tour takes place from 9am to noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
Licensed tour guides lead each group and introduce attendees to the history of the market, while giving them time to take photos and do some shopping.
“These tours provide tourists, visitors, and even citizens and residents with the opportunity to re-discover the market area with its historical, heritage and religious landmarks that tell a rich side of Bahrain’s history through the ages,” the BTEA added in a statement.
“The Manama Suq represents an important part of the busy schedule of events organised by the BTEA throughout the year, and the most appropriate place to implement attractive quality tourism initiatives, and an important part of Bahrain’s commercial, cultural, social and civilisational history, and an essential destination on the list of visitors and tourists.”
The tours are the latest in a series of projects implemented by the Manama Suq Development Committee, which consists of representatives from concerned organisations as well as a number of local merchants.
Work is underway to develop the storefronts and signage for shops in the area, which includes 275 shops located on five main streets around the market, which are Al Mutanabi Avenue, Bab Al Bahrain Avenue, Shaikh Abdullah Avenue, Tijjar Avenue, and Wali Al Ahd Avenue.
“The development project will give a completely new look to the current site, and will contribute to improving the existing facilities and services, considering the market an important tourist site,” a spokesperson from the BTEA added.
“The project will also contribute to the development of the existing facilities, and thus the tenants will benefit from better services.”
The BTEA also plans to set up an outdoor cinema, as well as the ‘Bahrain Design Week’ with the participation of local art societies and regional artists during the second half of this year.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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